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Disability Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Ceisteanna (583, 584, 585)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

583. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of existing clinicians, the number of therapy posts and the number and grade identified as being required during the mapping-of-need exercise conducted as part of the progressing disability services reform project, broken down by region and discipline, for example, speech and language therapist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist and social worker; the number of those posts that have been allocated and the number filled; if he will provide this in context of the child population, the number of children currently receiving a service and the number anticipated to require a service also included; and his views on the shortfall and consequent dilution of services for children. [14559/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

584. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the formula employed to estimate the number of clinicians of various disciplines, that is, the appropriate mix and also the number of therapy posts required, under the mapping-of-need exercise conducted as part of the progressing disability services reform project; and the recommended ratio of therapists to children. [14560/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

585. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the formula employed to estimate the additional number of children that are anticipated to need a service, as part of the progressing disability services reform project (details supplied). [14561/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 583 to 585, inclusive, together.

The Health Service Executive has recognised the need to increase the level of consistency and standardisation in the way both early intervention services and services for school-aged children with disabilities, including autism, are delivered.

The Executive is currently engaged in a major reconfiguration of its existing therapy resources for children with disabilities into multi-disciplinary geographically based teams, as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years). The key objective of this Programme is to bring about equity of access to disability services and consistency of service delivery, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities and their families to services, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of the individual child's difficulties.

The Programme is a key priority for the HSE's Social Care Directorate. An additional €4m was allocated in 2014 to assist in implementing the Programme, equating to approximately 80 additional therapy posts. Further investment of €4 million will also be made to support the development of therapy services in 2015 (equating to €6 million in a full year). The transition to this new service model is taking place on a phased basis and includes consultation and engagement with stakeholders, including service users and their families.

My Department has asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the detailed operational issues that he has raised. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

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